Symmetry constraints on superconductivity in twisted bilayer graphene: Fractional vortices, 4e condensates, or nonunitary pairing

When two graphene sheets are twisted relative to each other by a small angle, enhanced correlations lead to superconductivity whose origin remains under debate. Here, we derive some general constraints on superconductivity in twisted bilayer graphene (TBG), independent of its underlying mechanism. Neglecting weak coupling between valleys, the global symmetry group of TBG consists of independent spin rotations in each valley in addition to valley charge rotations, SU(2) x SU(2) x U(1). This symmetry is further enhanced to a full SU(4) in the idealized chiral limit. In both cases, we show that any charge 2e pairing must break the global symmetry. Additionally, if the pairing is unitary the resulting superconductor admits fractional vortices. This leads to the following general statement. Any superconducting condensate in either symmetry class has to satisfy one of three possibilities: (i) the superconducting pairing is nonunitary, (ii) the superconducting condensate has charge 2e but admits at least half quantum vortices which carry a flux of h/4e, or (iii) the superconducting condensate has charge 2me, m > 1, with vortices carrying h/2me flux. The latter possibility can be realized by a symmetric charge 4e superconductor (m = 2). Nonunitary pairing (i) is expected for superconductors observed in the vicinity of flavor polarized states. On the other hand, in the absence of flavor polarization, e.g., in the vicinity of charge neutrality, one of the two exotic possibilities (ii) and (iii) is expected. We sketch how all three scenarios can be realized in different limits within a strong coupling theory of superconductivity based on skyrmions. Finally we discuss the effect of symmetry lowering anisotropies and experimental implications of these scenarios.

Automated summary

This study derives some general constraints on superconductivity in twisted bilayer graphene and shows the possibilities that the superconducting condensate must satisfy. The research reveals the influence of symmetry and pairing methods on the superconductivity in terms of energy bands and spin bands.